Method for Measurement of Time Intervals from10−7to 6.7×10−11Second

In this method, when a spark passes across a gap, an electric impulse travels along two nearly identical paths to two electrodes placed in contact with a photographic plate, and Lichtenberg figures are produced on this plate. The shift of the meeting line of the two Lichtenberg figures from the half-way position due to retardation in the path to one electrode is directly compensated by lengthening the electric path of the lead going to the other electrode, until the meeting line has returned to the half-way position. Thereby the use of the Pedersen calibration curves is eliminated, the range of the method extended, and the accuracy of the measurements made independent of the variations in the conditions under which the measurements are made. By this method intervals of time which require compensating leads from 30 m to 2 cm have been measured, that is intervals of from 1×${10}^{-7\mathrm{}}$ to 6.7×${10}^{-11\mathrm{}}$ second.